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A Toronto Maple Leafs forward lineup thinner than Matt Stajan’s hair failed to generate the offense that #1 Starting Goalie Jonathan Bernier deserved on Tuesday, as the Colorado Avalanche came away from Air Canada Centre with a 2-1 victory.

After technically earning his first shutout of the season at the 15:56 mark of the 2nd period, Bernier was finally scored on by underrated sharpshooter Cory Sarich. The blame for the goal falls on Troy Brodie, who lost a fight on home ice just over a minute before Sarich’s goal. The tilted momentum proved to be too much for even the 11th overall pick to overcome.

The second goal was scored by the soft-handed P.A. Parenteau, who benefited from a regular God-awful shift from Paul Ranger and converted a one-timer. Bernier just missed saving this one, but it should be noted that he did keep a reckless Jake Gardiner from injuring himself sliding into the crease, thus preserving his trade value. What a team player.

For the Leafs, Joffrey Lupul scored a True Maple Leaf style goal, jamming away at the crease and eventually putting the puck over the goal line. Lupes hasn’t quite reached True Maple Leaf status yet, but more gritty jam plays like this could see him reach that level by the end of the year.

Bernier posted just a .939 save percentage in this game, by far his worst of the season.

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CLARKSON COMIN

2 GAMES -- 7 DAYS

Regarding Reimer

There is a common misconception that we here at Bernier Stops That are somehow advocating a trade or move involving fellow Leafs goalie James Reimer.

We just want to set the record straight that we love James Reimer. Given James' impressive resume and track record of playing around 30 games a season, we believe he's a tremendous asset to have as a backup to Jonathan Bernier.

That being said, we're open to anything that helps the Leafs for this year's big playoff push.

Goaltending Battle BY THE NUMBERS

Fights*

1 - Jonathan Bernier (1.5**)

2 - James Reimer (0)

(*- statistics include preseason.)

(**- divisional stats are weighted an extra .5 due to the elevated message being sent)